Foundation awards local students nearly $770,000 in scholarships

The Public Education Foundation awarded nearly $770,000 in college scholarships to more than 370 Clark County students today.

In the past two decades, the nonprofit education group has awarded $8.6 million in scholarship money to thousands of high school seniors in Las Vegas.

The foundation, which operates the Teachers Exchange supplies warehouse and a leadership academy for Clark County School District administrators, the is the largest manager of scholarship funds locally.

The scholarships, which range from $500 to $5,000 annually, were provided by community leaders, businesses, organizations, individuals and families across Las Vegas. They were awarded today at the foundation’s annual luncheon at the Venetian.

The foundation culled through hundreds of applications and awarded scholarships based on a variety of criteria, such as academic achievement, planned area of study and financial need. Other scholarships are more unique, such as one for tall students.

“We are proud of his community’s commitment to our 2014 scholarship recipients,” Judi Steele, the foundation’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “These scholarships wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the generosity of our donors and their dedication to help students continue their education.”

The number of scholarships has grown exponentially over the years. In 1994, the Public Education Foundation awarded $16,000 in scholarships to 19 students.